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72: Seventy-Two Hours
Nell Sayer authenticates art for a living. She knows how to spot a forgery, how to read brushstrokes, how to tell when something is not what it seems.
He studied her routines, her weaknesses, her patterns. He learned what makes her freeze and what makes her breathe.
Now she is in a room with no windows and no signal. The door is locked. The floor is warm. And the man sitting across from her speaks in commands she can't stop obeying.
She has 72 hours.
He has a plan.
72: Seventy-Two Hours is a standalone dark romance novella.
Content forced proximity, captivity, conditioning, psychological manipulation, explicit content, power imbalance, obsessive hero who does not apologize.
He studied her routines, her weaknesses, her patterns. He learned what makes her freeze and what makes her breathe.
Now she is in a room with no windows and no signal. The door is locked. The floor is warm. And the man sitting across from her speaks in commands she can't stop obeying.
She has 72 hours.
He has a plan.
72: Seventy-Two Hours is a standalone dark romance novella.
Content forced proximity, captivity, conditioning, psychological manipulation, explicit content, power imbalance, obsessive hero who does not apologize.
- GenresDark Romance
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2026
About the author
Catarina T. Vex
2 books4 followersCatarina T. Vex writes men who should not be trusted and women who know better but stay anyway.
Her favourite territory: power imbalance, forced proximity, and the exact moment when tension becomes something you can't think your way out of. She has a Master's in Psychology, which probably explains a few things.
Her writing is layered. The first read pulls you through. The second one shows you what you missed. Some sentences hit fast, some make you stop and reread, and both are there on purpose.
Her favourite territory: power imbalance, forced proximity, and the exact moment when tension becomes something you can't think your way out of. She has a Master's in Psychology, which probably explains a few things.
Her writing is layered. The first read pulls you through. The second one shows you what you missed. Some sentences hit fast, some make you stop and reread, and both are there on purpose.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 27, 2026
Review of advanced copy
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
First of all, this being Catarina T. Vex’s debut novel is seriously impressive. I honestly loved it.
One thing I really enjoyed was that we never got Grant/Cain’s POV. It made the suspense so much better because I was constantly trying to figure out what was going through his head and what his next move would be. It kept me hooked the entire time.
Nell is such a fighter in my eyes. The only thing that had me questioning her was how quickly she submitted to Grant/Cain. I was sitting there like, “Girl… you know you can talk, right?” 😂 But honestly, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.
Now… THAT PLOT TWIST.
What. The. Fuck.
My jaw was literally on the floor. I did not see it coming, and I immediately needed answers. Catarina, if you’re reading this… please tell me there’s a second book because you cannot leave us like that!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
First of all, this being Catarina T. Vex’s debut novel is seriously impressive. I honestly loved it.
One thing I really enjoyed was that we never got Grant/Cain’s POV. It made the suspense so much better because I was constantly trying to figure out what was going through his head and what his next move would be. It kept me hooked the entire time.
Nell is such a fighter in my eyes. The only thing that had me questioning her was how quickly she submitted to Grant/Cain. I was sitting there like, “Girl… you know you can talk, right?” 😂 But honestly, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.
Now… THAT PLOT TWIST.
What. The. Fuck.
My jaw was literally on the floor. I did not see it coming, and I immediately needed answers. Catarina, if you’re reading this… please tell me there’s a second book because you cannot leave us like that!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 28, 2026
Seventy-Two Hours was an intense, addictive read that had me hooked almost from the start. The premise is simple but incredibly effective. From there, the story leans heavily into psychological tension, forced proximity, and a slow unraveling of trust.
The strongest part of the book is the atmosphere. From an outside perspective being confined to one room for most of the story could have felt repetitive but instead it creates a constant sense of claustrophobia and suspense. The push-and-pull between the main characters kept me wanting to know what would happen next. The emotional tension is just as important as the physical attraction and there are plenty of moments that make you question each character’s motives.
The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that some scenes felt a little drawn out, and there were times when I wanted a bit more development outside of the confined setting. While the slow burn worked well overall, the pacing occasionally lagged in the middle.
Overall, this was a suspenseful dark romance with a unique premise and plenty of twists. I’d definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy dark, psychological romance with lots of tension.
The strongest part of the book is the atmosphere. From an outside perspective being confined to one room for most of the story could have felt repetitive but instead it creates a constant sense of claustrophobia and suspense. The push-and-pull between the main characters kept me wanting to know what would happen next. The emotional tension is just as important as the physical attraction and there are plenty of moments that make you question each character’s motives.
The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that some scenes felt a little drawn out, and there were times when I wanted a bit more development outside of the confined setting. While the slow burn worked well overall, the pacing occasionally lagged in the middle.
Overall, this was a suspenseful dark romance with a unique premise and plenty of twists. I’d definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy dark, psychological romance with lots of tension.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book immediately caught my attention. A female art authenticator trapped in a safe room with a tall, dark, handsome stranger? Sign me up.
One thing I really appreciated was the direction the author took with the storytelling. As Nell was desperately trying to figure out what the hell was going on, I found myself doing the exact same thing, piecing everything together alongside her. That shared sense of confusion made the reading experience feel far more immersive.
I also loved the way Nell inadvertently described Grant. It perfectly captured the type of dark romance hero readers are often drawn to:
"Someone obsessive, probably alone, possibly dangerous but not in the obvious way. Dangerous the way patience is dangerous, when someone can wait years for the right piece to surface."
That description immediately intrigued me and made me want to learn more about him.
I've seen other readers mention the repetitive morning routine, and I can understand why it frustrated them. Personally, though, I interpreted it differently. I think the author intentionally repeated those scenes almost word for word to emphasize the psychological effects of confinement. The monotony, silence, and routine become part of the story itself, illustrating how isolation slowly wears Nell down and accelerates her submission.
My biggest struggle was connecting with the characters. By around 62% of the way through the book, I realised I still didn't know much about either Nell or Grant. Unfortunately, that feeling continued until the end. At times, events unfolded without enough context, and the story moved quickly from one moment to the next. I wanted more opportunities to sit with the characters, understand their motivations, and watch their emotional development unfold.
Overall, I genuinely enjoyed reading 72 Hours. For a debut novella, Catarina T. Vex has created a unique and compelling premise that I think dark romance readers will be drawn to. I'm excited to see where she goes next and wish both her and this book every success.
The premise of this book immediately caught my attention. A female art authenticator trapped in a safe room with a tall, dark, handsome stranger? Sign me up.
One thing I really appreciated was the direction the author took with the storytelling. As Nell was desperately trying to figure out what the hell was going on, I found myself doing the exact same thing, piecing everything together alongside her. That shared sense of confusion made the reading experience feel far more immersive.
I also loved the way Nell inadvertently described Grant. It perfectly captured the type of dark romance hero readers are often drawn to:
"Someone obsessive, probably alone, possibly dangerous but not in the obvious way. Dangerous the way patience is dangerous, when someone can wait years for the right piece to surface."
That description immediately intrigued me and made me want to learn more about him.
I've seen other readers mention the repetitive morning routine, and I can understand why it frustrated them. Personally, though, I interpreted it differently. I think the author intentionally repeated those scenes almost word for word to emphasize the psychological effects of confinement. The monotony, silence, and routine become part of the story itself, illustrating how isolation slowly wears Nell down and accelerates her submission.
My biggest struggle was connecting with the characters. By around 62% of the way through the book, I realised I still didn't know much about either Nell or Grant. Unfortunately, that feeling continued until the end. At times, events unfolded without enough context, and the story moved quickly from one moment to the next. I wanted more opportunities to sit with the characters, understand their motivations, and watch their emotional development unfold.
Overall, I genuinely enjoyed reading 72 Hours. For a debut novella, Catarina T. Vex has created a unique and compelling premise that I think dark romance readers will be drawn to. I'm excited to see where she goes next and wish both her and this book every success.
Review of advance copy
72: Seventy-Two Hours by Catarina T. Vex is an intriguing dark romance novella that blends psychological suspense with an unconventional premise. Nell Sayer is an art authenticator hired for a seventy-two-hour job at a Boston estate. A private collection. A simple contract… It’s what she does. What starts as a simple job ends with her locked in a sort of panic room with no escape, where she has to wait seventy-two hours before the steel door opens again, alongside a morally gray head of security hero whose methods are as unsettling as they are fascinating.
He seems to be an expert on survival… The recounting of what happens inside that room kept me on edge. He was like clockwork when it came to food and what needed to be done… All of that led to tension… a strange chemistry born out of having so much time to waste and nothing else to do… or so I thought. Grant hides so many secrets… all within these 130 pages. I think because the premise is so narrow, this story works. There are no outside elements to interfere; just the two of them, playing games and trying to survive these seventy-two hours.
The themes of captivity, power imbalance, psychological manipulation, conditioning, and dubious consent made me wonder what would happen next. The story has a more psychological edge, and it shows when Nell starts obeying his every order…
Short, unsettling, and full of tension, this was a compelling read, and I can’t wait to see what this author writes next. This is a strong debut release. All the best!!! Recommended for readers looking for a short, steamy, psychological read that will make them think, “WTF have I just read?”
He seems to be an expert on survival… The recounting of what happens inside that room kept me on edge. He was like clockwork when it came to food and what needed to be done… All of that led to tension… a strange chemistry born out of having so much time to waste and nothing else to do… or so I thought. Grant hides so many secrets… all within these 130 pages. I think because the premise is so narrow, this story works. There are no outside elements to interfere; just the two of them, playing games and trying to survive these seventy-two hours.
The themes of captivity, power imbalance, psychological manipulation, conditioning, and dubious consent made me wonder what would happen next. The story has a more psychological edge, and it shows when Nell starts obeying his every order…
Short, unsettling, and full of tension, this was a compelling read, and I can’t wait to see what this author writes next. This is a strong debut release. All the best!!! Recommended for readers looking for a short, steamy, psychological read that will make them think, “WTF have I just read?”
Review of advance copy
ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com
This book had such a cool premise and I really wanted to love it, but my reading experience was rather… bumpy.
The tone jumps around. Sometimes the prose is super formal and mechanical, sometimes it's more typical of contemporary/dark romances. The characters' voices blur together, and there were numerous times that, without dialogue tags, I had to take a moment to figure out which character was speaking.
The bigger issue, though, is the timeline. The whole story is built around a specific time limit, so the countdown should be super solid. Instead, I spent a lot of time flipping back to confirm what hour we were supposed to be in rather than sinking into the story.
There are also some continuity hiccups. Mornings repeat themselves with scenes reusing the same phrases, verbatim, and some scenes contradict each other between paragraphs. Obviously, they weren't enough of a dealbreaker for me to put the book down, but they were adding up.
Emotionally, I wanted so much more. The premise seemed to promise nitty-gritty tension but it didn't deliver. I was following along with the story mostly to see what would happen when the clock ran out, versus an investment in the characters.
All that said, the ending did leave me kind of curious about what Nell will do next. But I'm not sure that I'll read more to find out.
https://penpinery.com
This book had such a cool premise and I really wanted to love it, but my reading experience was rather… bumpy.
The tone jumps around. Sometimes the prose is super formal and mechanical, sometimes it's more typical of contemporary/dark romances. The characters' voices blur together, and there were numerous times that, without dialogue tags, I had to take a moment to figure out which character was speaking.
The bigger issue, though, is the timeline. The whole story is built around a specific time limit, so the countdown should be super solid. Instead, I spent a lot of time flipping back to confirm what hour we were supposed to be in rather than sinking into the story.
There are also some continuity hiccups. Mornings repeat themselves with scenes reusing the same phrases, verbatim, and some scenes contradict each other between paragraphs. Obviously, they weren't enough of a dealbreaker for me to put the book down, but they were adding up.
Emotionally, I wanted so much more. The premise seemed to promise nitty-gritty tension but it didn't deliver. I was following along with the story mostly to see what would happen when the clock ran out, versus an investment in the characters.
All that said, the ending did leave me kind of curious about what Nell will do next. But I'm not sure that I'll read more to find out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG! This book was really good! My jaw was on the floor A LOT! :)
4.5 / 5 stars, 4.5 /5 on the spicyyyy scale.
This book was perfect for me. It has explicit content, psychological manipulation, dubious consent, forced proximity, and captivity themes. It is intended for readers 18+. It was fast paced--I read it in about three days (which is amazing for me), 131 pages and it went by so fast. The MMC takes what he wants and I am all for it!
The author says it's a standalone dark romance, although I hope something comes after it, but if it doesn't, I am happy the way the book ended so my mind can wander. :)
One other reader said there were phrases or words used more than once but I completely understand why the author did this; when you are stuck in the same place for days, things become monotonous, but you don't feel like you are reading the same thing over and over... this book MOVES!
I received a free copy as part of the ARC team. Going in blind is the best way to do things so I suggest you get this and read it now! This is a first novel for the author and I can't wait to see what they come up with next.
4.5 / 5 stars, 4.5 /5 on the spicyyyy scale.
This book was perfect for me. It has explicit content, psychological manipulation, dubious consent, forced proximity, and captivity themes. It is intended for readers 18+. It was fast paced--I read it in about three days (which is amazing for me), 131 pages and it went by so fast. The MMC takes what he wants and I am all for it!
The author says it's a standalone dark romance, although I hope something comes after it, but if it doesn't, I am happy the way the book ended so my mind can wander. :)
One other reader said there were phrases or words used more than once but I completely understand why the author did this; when you are stuck in the same place for days, things become monotonous, but you don't feel like you are reading the same thing over and over... this book MOVES!
I received a free copy as part of the ARC team. Going in blind is the best way to do things so I suggest you get this and read it now! This is a first novel for the author and I can't wait to see what they come up with next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I read this in a single sitting; I was captivated and simply couldn't put it down. It was rough, never gentle, and definitely something I should have been screaming and running in the opposite direction from. Instead, I found myself yearning for his attention just like she did. I wanted to know what he did next, I needed his next touch like an addict needs her next hit. Cain Holloway is intoxicating and toxic, and yet I couldn't look away. I simply didn't want to. It was dirty, consent was blurry, and it pushed the morally gray line past comfortable but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a good time. Well written and paced perfectly, it feels kind of like a thriller with a hefty splash of spice thrown in.
It's the perfect read for a quiet night in. 😉❤️
I read this in a single sitting; I was captivated and simply couldn't put it down. It was rough, never gentle, and definitely something I should have been screaming and running in the opposite direction from. Instead, I found myself yearning for his attention just like she did. I wanted to know what he did next, I needed his next touch like an addict needs her next hit. Cain Holloway is intoxicating and toxic, and yet I couldn't look away. I simply didn't want to. It was dirty, consent was blurry, and it pushed the morally gray line past comfortable but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a good time. Well written and paced perfectly, it feels kind of like a thriller with a hefty splash of spice thrown in.
It's the perfect read for a quiet night in. 😉❤️
July 4, 2026
Wow. That was just creepy good! Just like Nell, I wanted Grant to stop, but to also keep going. What the heck? Trapped together in a small room for 72 hours. Will the doors really unlock in 72 hours? So many questions. So many twists. I had to keep reading to see what would happen next.
The author says this is her first novel and she has a lot more in her, if we like it. Please bring them on! This is so strange and different, I want more!
The 4 star rating is bc there were several editing issues. I swear Grant needed three hands to do what he was doing to Nell in that one scene! And one time where shoes were on then she was barefoot. Plus a few others. Easily fixed, but distracting for me.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
The author says this is her first novel and she has a lot more in her, if we like it. Please bring them on! This is so strange and different, I want more!
The 4 star rating is bc there were several editing issues. I swear Grant needed three hands to do what he was doing to Nell in that one scene! And one time where shoes were on then she was barefoot. Plus a few others. Easily fixed, but distracting for me.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
Read
June 26, 2026I received an ARC of this book.
A professional woman takes a job that's too good to be true, and she ends up in a strange trap, with an enigmatic, dangerous man. What could go wrong?
It demands great writing to keep a reader in the same room for 72 hours, with the characters, amongst growing pressure and deepening mystery.
I read this story at one go, couldn't stop myself from turning a page, then another... The world darkened outside my window and I kept reading. This dark romance is indeed dark, just what I needed for an escapade with a great story.
There's an interesting cliffhanger in the end, I hope we'll get another story soon!
A professional woman takes a job that's too good to be true, and she ends up in a strange trap, with an enigmatic, dangerous man. What could go wrong?
It demands great writing to keep a reader in the same room for 72 hours, with the characters, amongst growing pressure and deepening mystery.
I read this story at one go, couldn't stop myself from turning a page, then another... The world darkened outside my window and I kept reading. This dark romance is indeed dark, just what I needed for an escapade with a great story.
There's an interesting cliffhanger in the end, I hope we'll get another story soon!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Fmc Nell is an art authenticator she finds herself at an estate when an alarm is tripped and she is rushed into a safe room with the head of security, grant .
The timeliness is super fast paced, they are locked into a safe room for 72 hours .no one gets in and no one gets out. I liked the dynamic between the two main characters alot.She is left trying to piece together what the hell is happening. NOT GONNA LIE the ending had me tripping out. I hope there is a part 2 👀
The timeliness is super fast paced, they are locked into a safe room for 72 hours .no one gets in and no one gets out. I liked the dynamic between the two main characters alot.She is left trying to piece together what the hell is happening. NOT GONNA LIE the ending had me tripping out. I hope there is a part 2 👀
June 29, 2026
The synopsis hooked me. Most of the book is claustrophobic because the story takes place in a single room where the protagonists are confined. Their relationship is intense, intriguing and absorbing. The chemistry between the characters, the uncertainty about what drives them at times, and the fast-paced narrative make it impossible to put down until you reach the end. I highly recommend it, especially since it’s the author’s debut.
I received a free copy as part of the ARC.
I received a free copy as part of the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book hooked me from the beginning, and I couldn't put it down. If you enjoy dark romance with captivity, forced proximity, and psychological conditioning, this one is worth checking out. The MMC is obsessive and intense in all the ways we dark romance readers love. It's the author's debut novel, and I'm already excited to see what she writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
No spoilers! Keeping it subtle until the book is live and I update my review.
I got an advance reading copy of this book. I went in blind to really get the full fact. And this book was so good.
The spice was chefs kiss, the story and characters were written good. The book may be small but I devoured every single page. I did not want it to end.
I cannot wait to read more from this author.
I got an advance reading copy of this book. I went in blind to really get the full fact. And this book was so good.
The spice was chefs kiss, the story and characters were written good. The book may be small but I devoured every single page. I did not want it to end.
I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book and the way it was written . I think it needed to be longer as it finished quite abruptly leaving you guessing as to if /when things go further but I did enjoy the storyline and the characters.
June 28, 2026
So different!
I totally enjoyed this!
I kept repeating…what is going on here…WHAT?!
WHY?
Dark, steamy and left me wanting MORE!
What a debut! Really!
There just has to be a book two! There must!
I totally enjoyed this!
I kept repeating…what is going on here…WHAT?!
WHY?
Dark, steamy and left me wanting MORE!
What a debut! Really!
There just has to be a book two! There must!
July 7, 2026
Omg!! Freaking amazing read! Detailed intense story that pulled me in in the first chapter and never let me go. My emotions were all over the place while reading this awesome five star read. Don’t wait. Best book ever!!!!
Review of advance copy
This book was a page turner, I couldn’t put it down. The way she was captured was amazing but the mind blowing twist after the 72 hours still has me speechless. I would highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This short book had me hooked, I was disappointed when I finished the book because all i wanted was more. I really love the storyline and all the characters but I for sure want more now!
July 4, 2026
This cat and mouse story completely held my attention and I was engrossed in the plot. So many questions. Why does he want her? Why is he holding her there? Very suspenseful and interesting!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews